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Xenophobia: South Africa yet to sign Nigerians’ safety pact after six years
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Xenophobia: South Africa yet to sign Nigerians’ safety pact after six years

From Vanguard · (1h ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • South Africa has not yet signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the protection of Nigerians and other Africans, six years after discussions began.
  • The proposed Early Warning Signal Mechanism agreement would compel South African authorities to respond swiftly during xenophobic attacks.
  • Ghana has requested that the issue of xenophobia in South Africa be discussed at the next African Union meeting.

Vanguard reports on a critical delay by South Africa in signing a crucial safety pact designed to protect Nigerians and other Africans from xenophobic violence. Six years after discussions commenced, the Early Warning Signal Mechanism MoU remains unsigned, leaving vulnerable communities without a formal, binding commitment from South African authorities for swift intervention during crises.

We have an MoU with South Africa, the early warning signal mechanism. They have to sign it. So, the minister is putting pressure on them to sign this MoU. It’s been there for about six years.

— Abike Dabiri-ErewaThe Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission explains the status of the safety pact with South Africa.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the agreement would hold South African authorities accountable for immediate action when Nigerians are threatened. The ongoing diplomatic engagement by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs underscores the seriousness with which this issue is being treated, aiming to ensure the safety and security of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.

And if they sign it, what it means is that it is binding. When you hear there’s a crisis, you have to save our people, rescue them. If a Nigerian is committing a crime, you know what to do with them.

— Abike Dabiri-ErewaDabiri-Erewa elaborates on the implications of the proposed MoU once it is signed by South Africa.

The delay is particularly concerning given the history of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The proposed MoU is not merely a diplomatic gesture but a necessary safeguard that, once signed, would obligate the South African government to act decisively. The fact that this issue is now being escalated to the African Union, at Ghana's request, signals a broader regional concern and a push for a collective approach to tackling xenophobia within the continent. Nigerians in South Africa are urged to remain calm, but the underlying insecurity remains a significant worry.

In the meantime, we urge our people to stay calm, don’t look for trouble. If you can’t go to your shop, just manage.

— Abike Dabiri-ErewaThe NiDCOM boss advises Nigerians living in South Africa to exercise caution and remain calm amidst tensions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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